A phantom concert

What was so exciting about this concert? Firstly, the very fact that a rock concert was going to be held in Baku center. It’s a rare phenomenon in our country. Secondly, the unanimous delight of the audience. Thirdly, the concert began unexpectedly–more than half of the audience just ‘came across it’ by chance. Lastly, the complete lack of coverage by the press. The news syndicates ignored the crowd of youngsters, cheerfully dancing right behind McDonald’s – it could not be any closer to the center than that. It seems that this event went unnoticed-not a single line was written about it the next morning.

However, the members of Radio&Video surely did not go anywhere and even promised to come back on Sunday. They are in no way confused by the media’s silence. Zakir Gasimov, the band’s guitarist, made it clear that the band was acting straightforwardly–the performances should attract the attention of the public and press. In his words, the performances aim add to the diversify of city life. Judging by the public’s reaction, the city also wants this to happen. Young rock fans, who are accustomed to concerts in smoky semi-basements, were obviously glad to have the chance to move and breathe freely.

The Sunday open-air concerts were organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is unclear exactly why they selected Radio&Video from all of the Baku-based rock bands, but it was apparently the right choice.

Michelle Hope – vocal

Roman Shulga – the band leader, guitar and vocal

Dmitri Tur – drums, percussion

Andrey Kudinov – bass

Zakir Qasimov- guitar

Published: 05.07.2016